Troops capture LTTE's last stronghold in Mannar District

Reaching
to another significant milestone of the Wanni liberation operation, the
heroic army soldiers in task Force 1 captured the Vellankulam town, the
LTTE's last stronghold in Mannar District this afternoon, August 02.

According to the latest information received from the
Mannar front, following the fierce gun battle occurred during last few
days, troops have advanced into the Vellankulam town area this afternoon
despite the stiff resistance given by the terrorists to protect the
strategically important build-up area which links western cost and
Mankulam with a direct supply route via Tunukkai and Mallavi.

At least 30 LTTE terrorists were killed and more
terrorists have withdrawn with their casualties due to the
effective fire power launched by the troops, ground sources said.

Two main fortified LTTE camps were located in the
Vellankulam town area and LTTE terrorists withdrawn loosing after Vidattaltivu and
Illuppaikkadavai had reorganized
in the Vellankulam area to make resistance for the advancing troops.